Hypogonadism and its treatment following ischaemic stroke in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Correlates of testosterone change as men age

Objective: The literature on testosterone (T) in men reports diverse correlates of T, some with minimal empirical support and most with little indication of how they change with advancing age. We test eight putative correlations across age.Method: Correlations were tested on a large sample of British men.Results: Seven of eight correlations replicated. Most change across men's life courses. The diurnal cycle of T is considerably weaker among older than younger men. Single men have higher T than married men of the same age; however, this difference lessens as men get older. Elevated T among smokers is less pronounced as men age. The inverse relationship between obesity and T is sustained across the adult age range. The lessening of T with age is well established, however there is disagreement about the course of decline. We find T having a steep decline around age 30, with possibly a rebound around age 50, after which levels remain roughly constant. Correlations involving health become stronger among older men. After age 30 or 40, the inverse relationships between T and HbA1c, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome all become increasingly significant, though not necessarily strong in magnitude.Conclusion: Most putative correlates of T are replicated. There is a basis here for the generalization that among older men, those healthy have higher T than those who are not, but not a lot higher.

Testosterone treatment improves liver function and reduces cardiovascular risk: A long-term prospective study

Objectives: To report the association between testosterone treatment in hypogonadal men with hepatic steatosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: A prospective study was conducted to assess the physiological and functional performance of the long-term effects of testosterone undecanoate treatment on hepatic steatosis in 496 hypogonadal men. Two groups were studied, the treatment group (T-group) of 312 patients treated with TU 1000 mg every 12 weeks and followed for 8 years, and an untreated control group (C-group) of 184 patients. We evaluated liver functions and Fatty Liver Index (FLI) according to Mayo Clinic parameters and guidelines. Results: The T-group showed a decrease in the FLI (from a mean [SD] of 83.70 [12.15] to 67.12 [19.21]), bilirubin (from a mean [SD] of 1.69 [4.21] to 1.31 [1.91] mg/dL), triglycerides (from a mean [SD] of 254.87 [92.99] to 213.37 [66.91] mg/dL), and gamma-glutamyl-transferase (from a mean [SD] of 39.45 [11.51] to 29.11 [7.68] U/L) over the duration of the study. Other parameters were also reduced in the T-group such as body mass index (from a mean [SD] of 31.59 [4.51] to 29.50 [3.84] kg/m²) and waist circumference (from a mean [SD] of 107.51 [9.95] to 101.86 [9.28] cm). A total of 25 deaths (7.8%) were recorded in the T-group, among them, 11 (44%) were related to CVD. While in the C-group 28 deaths (15.2%) were recorded and all the reported deaths (100%) were related to CVD. Conclusions: The findings suggest that long-term testosterone therapy in hypogonadal men improves liver function. While, the physiological and functional improvements in the liver may be associated with a decrease in CVD-related mortality.

Abbreviations

ALT: alanine transaminase; AR: androgen receptor; AST: aspartate transaminase; BMI: body mass index; CVD: cardiovascular disease; FLI: Fatty Liver Index; γ-GT: gamma-glutamyl-transferase; MetS: metabolic syndrome; LDL: low-density lipoprotein; NAFLD: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; RCT: randomised controlled trial; T2DM: type II diabetes mellitus; TT: total testosterone; TTh: testosterone therapy; TU: testosterone undecanoate; WC: waist circumference

A systematic review on the latest developments in testosterone therapy: Innovations, advances, and paradigm shifts

Objectives

To review the latest innovations and advances in testosterone treatments including their advantages and disadvantages and to address important issues in testosterone therapy (TTh).

Methods

This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. The PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus and Cochrane databases were searched using specifically related key words. The identified studies were screened for inclusion criteria that included studies discussing one of the four objectives of the systematic review: 1) cut–off references, 2) prevention/remission of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 3) duration of treatment, and 4) prostate, lower urinary tract symptoms, prostate health, or cancer. The search was limited to the past 15 years. Any studies were not written in English were excluded.

Results

The initial literature search retrieved 393 studies. After screening four studies were removed due to duplication, 360 studies were further excluded after reviewing the title, abstract or the whole manuscript due to different exclusion criteria or being not focussed on the objective. Finally, 29 studies were included in the review. One study discussed the cut–off value, four studies discussed the effect of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on the control of T2DM, four studies on duration of TRT, and 20 studies discussed the effects of TRT on the prostate

Conclusions

Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of TTh in overtly hypogonadal men. There are several possible administration routes for testosterone treatment. Each approach has advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of the method of TRT will often be determined by patient preference or co-medication (no intramuscular injections in patients under coumarin or similar anticoagulants). Although new developments are promising, it seems that among the available treatments, only transdermal gel delivery and long-acting injectable testosterone undecanoate provide pharmacokinetic behaviour that gives a steady state level within a physiological range.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is more commonly well controlled in younger men compared to older men

METHODS

The male patients with T2DM that admitted to the outpatient internal medicine clinics of our institution between November 2018 and April 2019 were included to the study. According to the age, study population divided into two groups; either younger than 60 years (group I) and 60 years or older (group II). Study parameters were compared between study groups.

RESULTS

Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated Hb level (HbA1c) of group I were lower than those of the group II (p = 0.004 for FPG and p = 0.048 for HbA1c). Control level of T2DM was defined as well controlled in 20 (29%) patients in group I and 5 (10.9%) patients in group II (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Physicians should aware that well controlled T2DM is more common among younger diabetic men compared to older men and try to enhance diabetic regulation level in elderly men by interventions that aimed to improve skeletal muscle or by pharmacologic agents.

Long-term testosterone therapy improves liver parameters and steatosis in hypogonadal men: a prospective controlled registry study

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and both are prevalent in men with testosterone deficiency. Long-term effects of testosterone therapy (TTh) on NAFLD are not well studied. This observational, prospective, cumulative registry study assesses long-term effects of testosterone undecanoate (TU) on hepatic physiology and function in 505 hypogonadal men (T levels ≤350 ng/dL). Three hundred and twenty one men received TU 1000 mg/12 weeks for up to 12 years following an initial 6-week interval (T-group), while 184 who opted against TTh served as controls (C-group). T-group patients exhibited decreased fatty liver index (FLI, calculated according to Mayo Clinic guidelines) (83.6 ± 12.08 to 66.91 ± 19.38), γ-GT (39.31 ± 11.62 to 28.95 ± 7.57 U/L), bilirubin (1.64 ± 4.13 to 1.21 ± 1.89 mg/dL) and triglycerides (252.35 ± 90.99 to 213 ± 65.91 mg/dL) over 12 years. Waist circumference and body mass index were also reduced in the T-group (107.17 ± 9.64 to 100.34 ± 9.03 cm and 31.51 ± 4.32 to 29.03 ± 3.77 kg/m²). There were 25 deaths (7.8%) in the T-group of which 11 (44%) were cardiovascular related. In contrast, 28 patients (15.2%) died in C-group, and all deaths (100%) were attributed to CVD. These data suggest that long-term TTh improves hepatic steatosis and liver function in hypogonadal men. Improvements in liver function may have contributed to reduced CVD-related mortality.

Important lessons about testosterone therapy- weight loss vs. testosterone therapy for symptom resolution, classical vs. functional hypogonadism, and shortterm vs. lifelong testosterone therapy

In this commentary, we highlight important findings from a notable RCT by Ng Tang Fui et al. 2016 which investigated the effects of testosterone treatment in dieting obese men. First, a myopic focus on weight loss can detract from important improvements in body composition. Second, while weight loss in obese men may increase testosterone levels, this increase is commonly not enough to result in an improvement in symptoms associated with testosterone deficiency. Third, the RCT by Ng Tang Fui et al. adds evidence to the growing number of clinical trials showing that testosterone therapy should not be restricted to men with classical hypogonadism. Finally, the beneficial effects of testosterone therapy are not maintained after cessation of treatment. Currently, the British Society for Sexual Medicine guidelines are the only clinical guidelines which acknowledge that weight loss per se does not automatically translate to resolution of hypogonadal symptoms, that testosterone therapy can greatly benefit men with testosterone deficiency who do not have classical hypogonadism, and that cessation of testosterone therapy causes reappearance of symptoms and reversal of benefits. Lifelong testosterone therapy is therefore recommended for persistent health benefits in most men with testosterone deficiency. Physicians and patients need to be informed of this.

The predictive value of serum testosterone level on the functional outcomes after acute ischemic stroke in males

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of sex hormone levels on 3-month functional outcomes after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in males.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 110 male AIS patients were included in this prospective study. Serum levels of testosterone and estradiol were measured at admission. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were measured at admission and after 3 months. A mRS score ≥3 was considered as a poor functional outcome.

RESULTS

The median age of the 110 subjects was 62.0 [23.3] years (range 35-93 years). Univariate logistic regression revealed that bioavailable testosterone, free testosterone, age, NIHSS at admission, mRS at admission, and prior ischemic stroke were associated with a poor functional outcome (mRS score ≥3) at 3 months. In multivariate analysis, only age, NIHSS at admission, and mRS at admission were independent predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

After controlling the covariates, bioavailable and free testosterone levels are not associated with the 3-month mRS in male patients with AIS. Age, NIHSS at admission, and mRS at admission are robust predictors for the functional outcomes.

Association between testosterone with type 2 diabetes in adult males, a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

OBJECTIVE

We performed this meta-analysis to assess serum testosterone changes in adult males with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify qualified studies. Pooled weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to test the changes of total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in patients with T2DM. Besides, trial sequential analysis was used to verify the pooled results.

RESULTS

A total of 56 studies were enrolled in our meta-analysis. Meta-analyses of the cross-sectional studies showed that patients with T2DM has significant decreases in TT (WMD: -2.98, 95%CI: -3.48 to -2.47), FT (WMD: -32.82, 95%CI: -39.70 to -25.95) and SHBG (WMD: -2.47, 95%CI: -3.93 to -1.02). In terms of the prospective studies, our results showed decreases in TT (WMD: -2.35, 95%CI: -3.24 to -1.46), FT (WMD: -25.96, 95%CI: -83.98 to 32.05), and SHBG (WMD: -10.06, 95%CI: -13.29 to -6.84) in patients with T2DM. By trial sequential analyses, the findings in current meta-analysis were based on reliable evidence.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that patients with T2DM have lower serum TT, FT, and SHBG levels.

Testosterone therapy in hypogonadal patients and the associated risks of cardiovascular events

Since the male secondary sex characters, libido and fertility are attributed to their major androgen hormone testosterone, the sub-optimum levels of testosterone in young adults may cause infertility and irregularities in their sexual behaviour. Such deficiency is often secondary to maladies involving testes, pituitary or hypothalamus that could be treated with an administration of exogenous testosterone. In the last few decades, the number of testosterone prescriptions has markedly increased to treat sub-optimal serum levels even though its administration in such conditions is not yet approved. On account of its associated cardiovascular hazards, the food and drug authority in the United States has issued safety alerts on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Owing to a great degree of conflict among their findings, the published clinical trials seem struggling in presenting a decisive opinion on the matter. Hence, the clinicians remain uncertain about the possible cardiovascular adversities while prescribing TRT in hypogonadal men. The uncertainty escalates even further while prescribing such therapy in older men with a previous history of cardiovascular ailments. In the current review, we analysed the pre-clinical and clinical studies to evaluate the physiological impact of testosterone on cardiovascular and related parameters. We have enlisted studies on the association of cardiovascular health and endogenous testosterone levels with a comprehensive analysis of epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses on the cardiovascular risk of TRT. The review is aimed to assist clinicians in making smart decisions regarding TRT in their patients.

Androgen receptor-reduced sensitivity is associated with increased mortality and poorer glycaemia in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study

Introduction

Hypogonadism is associated with poorer glycaemic outcomes/increased all-cause and cardiovascular morbidity/mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Increasing CAG repeat number within exon-1 of the androgen receptor (AR) gene is associated with increased AR resistance/insulin resistance.

Methods

We determined in a long-term 14-year follow-up cohort of 423 T2DM Caucasian men, the association between baseline androgen status/CAG repeat number (by PCR then Sequenom sequencing) and metabolic/cardiovascular outcomes.

Results

Metabolic outcomes: Lower total testosterone was associated with higher BMI (kg/m²) at 14-year-follow-up: regression coefficient -0.30 (95% confidence interval -0.445 to -0.157), P = 0.0001. The range of CAG repeat number was 9-29 repeats. Higher CAG repeat number in exon-1 of the AR gene was associated with higher follow-up HbA1c2016 - each unit increase in CAG repeat-associated with an increment of 0.1% in HbA1C2016 (P = 0.04), independent of baseline testosterone. Cardiovascular outcomes and mortality: At an average of 14-year-follow-up, 55.8% of hypogonadal men had died vs 36.1% of eugonadal men (P = 0.001). There was a 'u' shaped relation between number of CAG repeats and mortality. Twenty-one CAG repeats were associated with an up to nearly 50% lower mortality rate than <21 CAG repeats and >21 CAG repeats - independent of baseline testosterone level.

Conclusion

A higher number of CAG repeats at the AR gene associates with higher future HbA1c. There was a 'u' shaped relation between CAG repeat number and mortality rate. Determination of CAG repeat number may become part of assessment of androgen status/its consequences for men with T2DM.

The Effects of Androgens on Cardiometabolic Syndrome: Current Therapeutic Concepts

INTRODUCTION

Cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS), as a bunch of metabolic disorders mainly characterized by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, atherosclerosis, central adiposity, and abdominal obesity triggering androgen deficiency, is one of the most critical threats to men. Although many significant preclinical and clinical findings explain CMS, new approaches toward common pathophysiological mechanisms and reasonable therapeutic targets are lacking.

AIM

To gain a further understanding of the role of androgen levels in various facets of CMS such as the constellation of cardiometabolic risk factors including central adiposity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, diabetes, and arterial hypertension and to define future directions for development of effective therapeutic modalities.

METHODS

Clinical and experimental data were searched through scientific literature databases (PubMed) from 2009 to October 2019.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Evidence from basic and clinical research was gathered with regard to the causal impact and therapeutic roles of androgens on CMS.

RESULTS

There are important mechanisms implicated in androgen levels and the risk of CMS. Low testosterone levels have many signs and symptoms on cardiometabolic and glycometabolic risks as well as abdominal obesity in men.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The implications of the findings can shed light on future improvements in androgen levels and add potentially predictive risk for CMS, as well as T2DM, abdominal obesity to guide clinical management in the early stage.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

This comprehensive review refers to the association between androgens and cardiovascular health. A limitation of this study is the lack of large, prospective population-based studies that analyze the effects of testosterone treatment on CMS or mortality.

CONCLUSION

Low testosterone levels have several common features with metabolic syndrome. Thus, testosterone may have preventive role in the progress of metabolic syndrome and subsequent T2DM, abdominal obesity, and cardiovascular disease and likely affect aging men's health mainly through endocrine and vascular mechanisms. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the therapeutic interventions directed at preventing CMS in men. Kirlangic OF, Yilmaz-Oral D, Kaya-Sezginer E, et al. The Effects of Androgens on Cardiometabolic Syndrome: Current Therapeutic Concepts. Sex Med 2020;8:132-155.

Long-term treatment with testosterone undecanoate injections in men with hypogonadism alleviates erectile dysfunction and reduces risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, prostate cancer, and mortality

Objective: The association between erectile dysfunction (ED), hypogonadism, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes is well documented, but long-term data are limited. The aim of this study is to investigate effects of long-term testosterone therapy (TTh) with testosterone undecanoate in men with hypogonadism and ED.Patients and methods: Observational, prospective registry of 805 hypogonadal men with different degrees of ED, evaluated by the International Index of Erectile Function - Erectile Function Domain. Four hundred and twelve patients underwent TTh, 393 patients served as controls, with an observation period up to 12 years.Results: TTh led to substantial and sustained reduction of ED; improvement in erectile function was significant for each successive year until year 9. This was accompanied by improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors and urinary function throughout the 12-year follow-up period. Benefits of TTh were stronger for patients with moderate/severe ED than for patients with no/minor ED. Incidence of prostate cancer, major adverse cardiovascular events, and mortality were significantly lower in men on TTh compared with untreated men.Conclusion: Long-term TTh for up to 12 years alleviates ED, improves cardiometabolic risk factors, and reduces prostate cancer. Patients must stay on TTh consistently for a long time to achieve maximum benefits of TTh.

Clinical Impact of Blood Testosterone Concentration on Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index in Female Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background

Information regarding testosterone as a significant risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in female patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is limited. However, some clinical studies reported the importance of cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) as a novel physiological marker of arterial function in type 2 DM. This cross-sectional study aimed to elucidate the clinical effects of blood testosterone concentration on CAVI in female patients with type 2 DM.

Methods

A total of 238 postmenopausal patients including 97 with a history of CVD with type 2 DM (age (mean ± standard deviation (SD)), 73 ± 9 years) were enrolled. CAVI was measured according to the standard technique, and serum total testosterone concentration (T-T) was also measured as a testosterone level marker in vivo. The relationship between CAVI and T-T was evaluated.

Results

CAVI is significantly higher (CVD vs. non-CVD: 10.2 ± 1.2 vs. 9.2 ± 1.0, P < 0.001), and log-T-T significantly lower (CVD vs. non-CVD: 1.2 ± 0.2 ng/dL vs. 1.5 ± 0.2 ng/dL, P < 0.001) in patients with CVD than those without CVD. CAVI was significantly negatively correlated with log-T-T (r = -0.41; P < 0.001). Furthermore, multiple regression analysis indicated that CVD (β = 0.23; P < 0.001) and log-T-T (β = -0.18; P < 0.01) were selected as independent subordinate variables for CAVI.

Conclusions

This study showed that T-T was independently inversely associated with CAVI, indicating that low testosterone concentration is a considerable risk factor for the progression of arterial dysfunction in female patients with type 2 DM.